Engaging in Bodhisattva Deeds – 1st Term w. Ven Steve Carlier

The thematic structure of this work is based on the six perfections of generosity, ethical discipline, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, which provide the framework for the Bodhisattva’s path to enlightenment. The first three chapters discuss the benefits of bodhicitta, the Spirit of Awakening that motivates the Bodhisattva way of life, and explain the means of cultivating and sustaining this altruistic aspiration. Those topics lay the foundation of the perfection of generosity.
– from the introduction in A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, trans. Vesna A. Wallace.

Textbook

We are using the Stephen Batchelor translation A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, of the root text by Shantideva, Bodhicaryátara. A digitial copy of the text will be available to registered students.

Materials needed will be provided to registered students through a webpage from which files can be downloaded.

Summer Program

This is the 1st term of one module of the FPMT Basic Program. (See more below) There are 12 sessions in the 1st Term:

May 17, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21July 12, 19, 26,August 2, 9, 16

There are expected to be approximately 39 sessions required to complete Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds, one of 12 subjects in the Basic Program. So, this topic will continue in probably two more terms.

It’s best to start at the beginning and attend regularly. A general background in Buddhism is expected, either from participating in the Discovering Buddhism program or from general lam-rim instruction.

About the FPMT Basic Program

The Basic Program is a multi-year, twelve-subject course of studies designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It provides a practice-oriented transmission of the Buddhadharma to committed students ready to progress beyond foundational-level study and practice. Its comprehensive curriculum greatly enhances students’ Dharma understanding, establishing a sound basis for ongoing study, practice, retreat and service. FPMT centers worldwide offer the program at a variety of levels; it is also available for homestudy as an Online program. Some of Tibetan Buddhism’s most treasured texts form the heart of the Basic Program. Je Tsongkhapa’s Middle Length Lam-Rim, Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, the Heart Sutra, Jetsun Chökyi Gyältsen’s Tenets, Maitreya’s Ornament for Clear Realization and Tathagata Essence,the Wheel of Sharp Weapons and others guide the practitioner through a comprehensive study of sutra and tantra.

Students may enter the Basic Program at the beginning of subjects as indicated by individual centers. Students will benefit most from their BP studies if they have some familiarity with preparatory study and practice as offered by foundational level programs.

About the Instructor

Venerable Steve Carlier (Thubten Sherab) was born in the UK, and has been studying Buddhism since 1977. He first met Lama Yeshe, the founder of the FPMT, and Lama Zopa, its current head, in 1978. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Lama Zopa in 1979 and received full ordination from Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche the following year. He studied for eleven years at Nalanda Monastery in France, and from 1993 to 2004 was one of only a handful of Westerners who have followed the Nalanda (India) tradition of studies at Sera Monastery in India. Since 1978 he has been a student of the revered abbot emeritus of Sera Je monastery, Geshe Jampa Tegchog. More recently he has served as this great master’s interpreter. He is currently at Land of Medicine Buddha, teaching the Basic Program.

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